Cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an improved cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly. Improvements include cabinet mounting, use of a double pole switch for switching auxiliary equipment. In addition, an improved front panel latch with track and cover is presented. Spring type contacts formed integral to the housing shell allow for ease of attachment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/832,609, entitled “CABINET VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY” filed Jun. 7, 2013. The contents of which the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of vacuum cleaning devices and, more specifically, to cabinet mounted central vacuum cleaning systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Central vacuum cleaning systems are useful in homes, offices and commercial establishments. These systems generally utilize a unitary centrally located station containing a vacuum supply, a collection receptacle and a plurality of conduits which interconnect various parts of the structure to the central station. The conduits normally terminate in a hose adapter coupling enabling each area to be cleaned by inserting the hose assembly into the hose coupling and activating the central station vacuum supply. The hose assembly is normally moved from one room to another. In some systems the hose coupling also supplies electrical power to a brushing system, sometimes referred to as a powerhead.

Wall recessed cleaning systems are known that are self-contained so as to include the vacuum supply, vacuum bag and hose receptacle in a single unit, adapted to be situated within an opening prepared in the wall of an existing structure. The problem with such prior art devices was that they were difficult to install within an interior wall recess since they were greater than 6 inches in depth.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,967 discloses a combined inlet structure and switching device for a central vacuum system which includes an inlet housing having top, bottom and side walls defining a vacuum inlet chamber and a front with a dirt receiving opening. An aperture located in the top wall and can be connected to a pipe leading to a central vacuum source. A closure member is movable between first and second positions in order to close or open the aperture. A foot operated actuator is connected to the housing and is able to pivot the closure member between the first and second positions. A spring biases the closure member towards the first position and operates when the actuator is pressed in one direction. When the closure member is moved to the second position, it will remain there unless the actuator is pressed in another, opposite direction. There is also a switch mechanism responsive to movement of the actuator for opening and closing an electrical circuit connected to the central vacuum source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,016 discloses a suction inlet for a central vacuum system of a building which includes a housing mounted on the floor of the building thereby defining a slot along the floor. The slot can be opened and closed and simultaneously a vacuum duct connected to the housing is opened and closed by a plug member. When the plug and the slot are opened, a switch actuates the central vacuum system to draw air into the housing through the slot across the floor so that dust, dirt and debris on the floor can simply be swept into the slot and drawn away.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,977 discloses a vacuum fitting for connection to a remote source of vacuum, such as a central vacuum system. The vacuum fitting comprising a main body mountable to a fixed structure. The main body includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening; an openable closure is mounted to the main body and is moveable between an open position and position covering the inlet opening; a latch member is selectively positionable to keep the closure in said covering position when positioned between the main body and the closure and to permit said closure to move to an open position when not positioned between said main body and the closure; and a biaser to urge the closure to an open position. A switch is also provided to initiate the remote source of vacuum, such as a central vacuum system, when the closure is moved to the open position by the biaser.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,080 discloses improvements in the operation and design of wall-mounted recessed vacuum cleaner systems. The disclosed invention incorporates an extremely compact motor design which enables the filtering debris receptacle to be arranged directly over the motor housing. The vacuum system of the disclosed invention includes an upper containment compartment and a lower evacuation compartment. The containment compartment houses an air filtering and residue collecting receptacle, e.g. a vacuum bag assembly, which may incorporate HEPA filtration characteristics.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,580,281, issued to the inventor of the present invention, discloses an improved wall-mounted recessed vacuum cleaner system which incorporates vibration dampening mounts between the motor and the outer housing, air channels within the housing to smooth air flow and reduced number of parts to significantly reduce the noise level during operation. The vacuum cleaner system incorporates an extremely compact housing and motor design with a filtering debris receptacle arranged directly over the motor compartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is an improved cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly. Improvements include cabinet mounting, use of a double pole switch for switching auxiliary equipment. In addition, an improved front panel latch with track and cover is presented. Spring type contacts formed integral to the housing shell allow for ease of attachment.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to present a unique vacuum cleaner assembly.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to employ a double pole switch for switching auxiliary equipment.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an improved front panel latch with track and cover is presented.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide spring type contacts formed integral to the housing shell allow for ease of attachment.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cabinet vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a right view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a left view thereof;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrated from the left side;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrated from the rear perspective;

FIG. 11 is a rear view illustrating the spring type contacts;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken form FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cabinet cover;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the cabinet cover;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the cabinet cover latch;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a pictorial of the cabinet vacuum cleaner installed;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the interior of the vacuum cleaner shell;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the interior of the vacuum cleaner shell;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner shell with motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIGS. 10 &13, the cabinet vacuum system 40 consist of a mainframe 1, vacuum motor 9, front panel 2 and vacuum bag 45. Double pole switch 7, mounted in motor retainer 6, is used to switch power to the vacuum motor 9. Vacuum motor 9 is mechanically constrained in the mainframe 1 by front motor mount 10 at the proximal end and by rear motor mount 8 at the distal end. Front motor mount 10 is constrained in the motor aperture 23 in mainframe 1 by mainframe motor mount 25 on mainframe 1 and retainer motor mount 26 on motor retainer 6. Vacuum motor 9 is sealed to the vacuum chamber by a plurality of concentric seal rings 24 on front motor mount 10. Seal rings 24 are biased against the outer wall of the vacuum chamber by means of wedge 22 on motor retainer 6, also retained by the inside wall of mainframe 1, thereby translating pressure through rear motor mount 8, vacuum motor 9 and front motor mount 10. Motor retainer 6 is captured in mainframe 1 by a plurality of snaps around its periphery. A sound dampener 43, constructed from open cell urethane foam rubber, is fixed to the inside surface of motor retainer 6 to attenuate motor noise.

Referring to FIG. 5, power is applied to the cabinet vacuum system 40 by a Romex or similar type cable consisting of a line, a neutral and a ground wire. One line wire 51 is shown installed in line wire connection 55. An additional neutral wire connection 54 and line wire connection are used to power auxiliary equipment. The additional line wire connection 53 is switched by means of the secondary pole on double pole switch 7.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 11, 12, 13 & 14, line and neutral wire are stripped of insulation 16 and inserted into contact 11, located in mainframe 1. Contact 11 is a spring type contact consisting of contact spring 18 and contact surface 21. The striped wire 17 is inserted into contact 11. The contact spring 18 biases striped wire 17 against contact surface 21. A contact lug 19 on contact 11 allows connection to a spade connector for internal connections. A ground contact 15 provides feed-through for the ground wire in mainframe 1. Contact cover 12 prevents shock hazard and retains a plurality of contacts 11. Flame path boss 20 provides wire support and spark suppression outside mainframe 1.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, & 25, the vacuum operates by vacuum motor 9 drawing a vacuum in vacuum chamber 46. The vacuum chamber 46 is sealed by door 2 and seal 5. A vacuum bag 45 is installed on inlet tube 31 on front panel 2. A bag retainer 32 consisting of two protruding rings around vacuum inlet tube 31 retain vacuum bag 45. Porous vacuum bag material allows vacuum chamber 46 negative pressure to be translated to the inside of vacuum bag 45. Debris is collected in vacuum bag 45 through vacuum inlet tube 31. Vacuum ribs 48 located in the vacuum chamber 46 hold the vacuum bag 45 off the side walls vacuum chamber 46 to improve vacuum flow. Cover 3 slides in latch track 37 on front panel 2 to cover the inlet tube 31 when not in use. The evacuated air from vacuum motor 9 is exhausted through exhaust slots 49 on mainframe 1.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, & 15 through 19, on front panel assembly 27, latch 4 slides in latch track 37 on front panel 2. Latch 4 is biased to it maximum distal travel by latch spring 29 contacting spring cavity 44 on front panel 2. When door 2 is in the closed position, the latch spring 29 keeps the latch tab 28 engaged into the latch receiver slot 47 on bezel 50 of mainframe 1. A latch finger aperture 30 and finger slot 36 is provided to allow latch to be slid in latch track 37 to disengage latch tab 28 from latch receiver slot 52 to release door 2. Latch 4 is captured in latch track 37 by cover spring 38, through spring bearing surface 39, on cover 3 to bias latch retainer 34 on latch 4 in latch keeper 35 to limit its lateral travel. Door 2 is held in the opposite side by retainer tab 33 engaged in rear latch receiver slot 47.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 20, 21 & 22, the cabinet vacuum system 40 is mounted in a cabinet drawer aperture 42 or similar cutout in cabinet 41. As screw 13 is rotated clockwise, the mounting lug 14 is rotated into a gripping position on the rear side of the front face of cabinet 41. As screw 13 is further turned clockwise, the front face of cabinet 41 is clamped between mounting lug 14 and bezel 50 on mainframe 1. This secures cabinet vacuum system 40 to cabinet 41.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a mainframe securable to a vertical wall defined by opposing end wall, opposing side wall, and a rear wall forming a housing for mounting of a vacuum bag and a vacuum mechanism, said mainframe having a releasably securable front panel assembly for sealing the housing said front panel assembly defined by an inner surface and an outer surface with a vacuum tube opening extending therethrough, said tube extending outwardly from the inner surface for attaching to said vacuum bag; a latch slidably attached to a latch track formed in said front panel assembly, said latch including at least one latch spring constructed and arranged to fit within a receiver slot formed at one end of said latch track; and a cover slidably attached to said latch track formed in said front panel assembly; said cover movable from a normally closed position for concealing the vacuum tube opening to an open position allowing attachment of a vacuum tube hose, and said latch movable from a normally closed position to an open position to release said cover from said mainframe.
 2. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said latch track is a receiver slot which captures and upper section and a lower section of said latch.
 3. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said latch is biased by a spring to a maximum distal travel by a latch spring.
 4. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 3 wherein said spring keeps a latch tab formed in said latch engaged in a latch receiver slot.
 5. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said latch include a latch finger aperture, said latch finger aperture constructed and arranged to allow manual movement to disengage said latch from a latch receiver slot to permit removal of said front panel from said mainframe to access said vacuum bag and vacuum mechanism.
 6. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 5 including a cover spring to bias said cover in a closed position to conceal said opening when no vacuum tube hose is present.
 7. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 6 wherein said latch is captured in a latch receiver by said cover spring to limit lateral travel of said cover.
 8. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 including a retainer tab for engaging a rear latch receiver slot.
 9. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 including a mounting lug secured to a rear surface of said mainframe is rotatable from a front surface of said mainframe into a gripping position for clamping said mainframe to the wall. 